Hazyview-Kiepersol Conservancy

Stuart Thomas, chairman of the Hazyview-Kiepersol Conservancy , re-released an African wood owl, Strix woodfordii, in the Sabi Valley on Saturday December 28.

The owl had been rehabilitated after being hit by a vehicle in November 2013. It was about 04:00 when Ian Veldsman and I were travelling on the Sabie Road,” says Thomas.

“As we came up to a bend in the road we saw an owl lying in the middle of the road. Upon inspection we found it to be alive but a bit dazed and with blood running down the side of its beak. We immediately sought the help of a wildlife rehabilitator for treatment and hopefully a second chance at freedom.”

The raptor, a male, had suffered concussion. Luckily its injuries were light and there was no permanent damage.

“We released the owl in the same area where he was found so that he could find his territory again and be reunited with his mate. “It was a great experience to open the carrier box and watch the raptor fly to freedom again,” says Thomas.

Watch the owl being released here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMOe3Kbtx3A&list=UU9CHqjSnafKQK7L3LiqLxjA&feature=share